BOROUGH AFFAIRS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 February 1943, Page 4

BOROUGH AFFAIRS

CARTERTON COUNCIL REHABILITATION WORK. v CONTROL OF RIVERS SUGGESTED. (“Times-Age” Special.) The Mayor, Mr D. L. Taverner, presided over the monthly meeting of the Carterton Borough Council last night. There were also present: Councillors W. A. Hart, E. McKenzie, H. Mortenson, L. M. Clark, C. E. Stevens, C. J. DeLacey, Howard E. Jackson and O. W. Wolters. Apologies for absence were received from Crs. L. M. Clark and W. R. Harry. The treasurer reported a cr. balance at the bank of £3431 16s lOd in the District Fund Account, and a cr. balance of £345 Ils 7d in the gasworks account. The Carterton Fire Brigade wrote expressing appreciation of the council’s assistance in removing bricks from the station, which had been extensively damaged by the earthquake. A letter was received from the Government in regard to the Rehabilitation Board’s development work after the war. In the opinion of the Council a national scheme for controlling the rivers of the district was urgently required. The Wairarapa South County Council wrote in connection with the cleaning of the borough water races, stating that, owing to the scarcity of labour, the County would not be able to attend to the races in the borough after February 28. It was resolved to inform the County that the Borough was prepared to take the races over after March 31, provided they were in good order. Failing that the Borough would take the races over as from March 1, subject to no payment being made for the past year. The Works Committee recommended that an account for £l5l 3s for work on the Moreton Road farm property be paid. The recommendation was adopted.

An application by Miss McFarlane for an extension of the footpath to her property in Richmond Road was granted.

It was decided that the overseer make a report in regard to improving a culvert opposite the Trust and Agency Co.’s premises. He was also instructed to draw up plans for a building to accommodate all the borough plant and machinery. Two residents are to be written to regarding the hosing conditions, and warned that if breaches of the by-law occur again a prosecution will follow.

The Carterton Swimming Club wrote asking for the use of the Municipal Baths on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The request was refused.

The column of the Soldiers’ Memorial, which was damaged in the earthquake, is to be repaired before Anzac Day (April 25). It was resolved • that the next meeting be held on March 23. A deputation consisting of Messrs H. Matson, J. H. Churchouse, Geo Steffert, Junr., and R. J. Grimmer waited upon the council in regard io the building of a new fire station. On behalf of the brigade, Superintendent Matson said that the deputation desired a lead as to what was to be done in connection with the reerection of' a new station. When the station was built some 36 years ago a resolution was passed by the brigade that if ever an earthquake occurred and damaged the station beyond repair it should be taken down. This had been done. It was realised that the work could not be started right away, but as far as the rehabilitation proposals were concerned, it was considered that the brigade’s housing scheme should be one of the first things considered. The mayor said that the council sympathised with the brigade, which had in many ways helped themselves and the town generally. The present was not, however, an opportune time to build.

Cr E. McKenzie: “The proposal of the brigade is not to, build on the old site but to purchase another in Broadway. I understand that the brigade is asking for encouragement and assistance in the purchase of this property.” The mayor suggested that plans of a new station be drawn up and submitted to the council. The brigade would receive encouragement from the council.

Cr Mortensen suggested that the brigade obtain the approval of Mr Girling Butcher and get his suggestions for a new station. The borough would be behind the brigade in the building scheme. “We should go on with the work; it must be classed as essential,” said Cr Mortensen. He thought that if the picture shows were classed as essential, then a building for the brigade should be gone on with at once.

The mayor advised the brigade to have plans and specifications drawn up. The deputation then withdrew.